The Government of New South Wales (NSW) in Australia has expanded the trial of digital driver licence (DDL) to Sydney’s Eastern Beaches region.

The expanded test period will enable more than 140,000 drivers across the region to participate in a new metro trial of the DDL by November.

Participants willing to participate in the trial can use their DDL on their mobile phone to show proof of identity and age for roadside police checks in the trial area.

Minister for Finance, Services and Property Victor Dominello said: “Smartphones have become de facto wallets and we’re using cutting-edge technology so that drivers can use a digital licence in everyday scenarios.

“Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said that the digital licence will provide increased protection against identity fraud compared to the physical driver licence.”

“Parliament has approved new laws to enable a state-wide rollout of the technology. This trial will bring us a step closer to delivering on that promise.”

The trial is available through the Service NSW app. It will use technology from the ongoing trial in Dubbo that had an 83% customer satisfaction rating from more than 1,400 participants.

Drivers from 2022, 2024, 2026, 2031 and 2034 postcodes will be able to participate. To register for the trial they are required to create a MyServiceNSW Account at Service NSW.

Additional instructions are planned to be published in November.

Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said that the digital driver licence will provide increased protection against identity fraud compared to the physical driver licence.

Member for Coogee Bruce Notley-Smith said that the Eastern Beaches region has more than 350 licensed venues and licence holders, so it serves as an ideal trial location.